The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival was started as a postwar commercial revitalization initiative, and is characterized by the vibrance of its Tanabata decorations, said to be the most lavish in Japan, made possible by the city's commercial power. Approximately 300 ornaments fill the streets of the city center, centered in the main venue, Shonan Star Mall, with gorgeous decorations, some reaching over 5 meters in height! In the evening, the decorations are lit up, creating an even more beautiful and impressive sight. During the festival, various events are held, including a Tanabata decoration competition and a parade. The festival has developed into one of Japan's most representative summer traditions, with the Shonan Hiratsuka Orihime, chosen through a contest, participating in various events, such as parades and visits to the city, further livening up the Tanabata festival.Held every July, Tanabata is a vibrant festival celebrating the one annual meeting of two celestial lovers. The bright colours of the decorations around the city and the night-time illuminations are rivaled by the beautiful kimonos worn by visitors.The Tanabata Festival, which announces the arrival of summer in Shonan, is one of the largest in Japan, along with the Sendai City Tanabata Festival in Miyagi Prefecture. About 500 gorgeous decorations are presented in the center of Hiratsuka, and at night, they are lit up to create a magical atmosphere. A parade and more than 400 stalls—selling a wide variety of things, such as Shonan gourmet foods—make the festival even more exciting.

Shiraku Hot Spring is a natural hot spring with water that springs from about 1300 meters underground. The seawater underground has been trapped for hundreds of thousands of years and here you can expect better skin metabolism, smoother skin, and recovery from fatigue.

Visitors can enjoy the changes in nature from season to season. There are well-maintained walking paths and grassy plazas, so both children and the elderly can enjoy forest walks to the fullest. Furthermore, the KIMOREBI NO FOREST has been selected as one of the 50 most beautiful forests in Kanagawa. Photo courtesy of Sagamihara Tourist Association

We hold exhibitions several times a year. There is a walking path where you can enjoy sculptures on the grounds, as well as a museum shop and a restaurant where you can enjoy the view of the Isshiki coast.

Please visit the facility's website for the latest information.This museum has information of Kanagawa related and/or born writers and literature. It is used both as a library of Japanese modern literature and event site. They have more than 1.2 million collections. Some of them are entitled famous writers' names, such as Yasushi Inoue library, Shohei Ooka library and Soseki Natsume special collection. They usually exhibit Kanagawa literature. The museum also displays personal exhibitions of Sosuke Natsume, Ryunosuke Akutagawa and other Kanagawa related writers.

To this day, the working-class shopping district of Misaki still maintains a Showa-era atmosphere. Here you can find delicious tuna dishes and other tasty morsels. There are also special events with open participation. Enjoy a night in Misaki with a lot of eating, walking, and interesting things to do.

Kawasaki Racecourse's new Barbeque Plaza features a large screen on which you can watch horseracing, and a variety of playsets for children to enjoy.

From Confections to Crafts, the Best Selection of Tochigi’s Local Goods All in One PlaceThe Tochibiyori Store is a local specialty shop directly managed by the Tochigi Prefecture Tourism and Local Products Association. It is located on the 2nd floor of the JR Utsunomiya Station building, PASEO, within Tochigi Grand Marché. Conveniently situated right by the station, it is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs and gifts before heading off. The store offers a wide range of Tochigi’s signature products, such as confectioneries made with fresh local fruits, including Tochigi strawberries, as well as yokan (sweet bean jelly), Nikko yuba (tofu skin), local sake, pickled vegetables, and more. Visitors can also find Mashiko ware pottery and other traditional crafts. Limited edition goods and popular local snacks are also available, making it easy to take home the “taste of Tochigi.”

"South No. 4 Classic" café is located on the second floor of the former British Embassy Villa in the British Embassy Villa Memorial Park. From its spacious veranda, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Chuzenji while savoring scones and tea sets supervised by the British Embassy Tokyo's chef. Limited-time and quantity events are held monthly.   〈Menu〉 British Cultural Experience Mini Afternoon Tea A set featuring British Embassy Tokyo's original scones, sandwiches, and tea. Plain and nut (walnut and almond) scones are served with generous portions of locally crafted jam from Tochigi Prefecture and clotted cream. Enjoy this one-plate set of sandwiches and seasonal fruits with premium British tea.   〈About the British Embassy Villa Memorial Park〉 Originally built in 1896 as the private villa of British diplomat Ernest　Satow (1843-1929), this facility has been restored after serving as the　British Embassy villa for many years. The facility features exhibits about its history as an international summer　resort and British culture of the time. From the second-floor veranda,visitors can enjoy the "picture-perfect scenery" of Lake Chuzenji that Satow loved.

Nasu Highland Park is an amusement park with more than 40 kinds of attractions， including 10 roller coasters. Even on rainy days， you can enjoy attractions such as character events in each season and the indoor roller coaster SHINPI. There’s also a mountain stream activity zone， a dog park， and more. In addition， you’ll find a food court， barbecue terrace area， restaurants， shops， and other facilities."

Ride Japan's first domestic amphibious bus and explore the Yunishigawa Dam, dam lake, and dam facilities surrounded by magnificent nature. There's a chance you'll see wild deer, monkeys, or gracefully soaring birds of prey while exploring the dam lake! Enjoy unique experiences available only on this tour, such as visiting normally inaccessible dam facilities and cruising the dam lake.

Try some seasonal seafood from the Shonan area

Yagura are square, horizontal caves dug into rock cliffs where tombstones housing bones of the deceased were erected for memorial services. They are unique structures built primarily in Kamakura and its surrounding areas from the late Kamakura period (1185-1333) to the early Muromachi period (1336-1573). The Mandarado Yagura Caves can be found on the historic Nagao Kishidori Pass, and boasts of one of the largest known clusters, comprising over 150 confirmed caves. Few other locations within Kamakura City offer such a concentrated view of well-preserved yagura. Enjoy the unique, spectacular view of the rows of caves spanning multiple layers.

There is said to be a stone pagoda which was made into the tomb of Minamoto no Yoritomo near the site of Hokkedo (tomb hall), with the remains of Hokkedo also found in the vicinity. Together they are designated as a National Historic Site.

This facility provides a place and opportunity for local people and organizations where they can casually interact and discuss things. It also hosts a variety of events, such as lectures, hobby classes, practical workshops, and others to improve knowledge and education, health, social welfare as well as to promote lifestyle and culture. Local literature and documents of Uraga are displayed in the center as well.

In Kamakura, the birthplace of the samurai government, you can experience the city's ancient history along with its changing colours from season to season. The city's historical setting and beautiful seasons are best experienced by riding the local rickshaws.

The Hase Ceramics Workshop gives you the valuable experience of using an electric potter's wheel in an authentic workshop. Even beginners will be able to make their own original piece in about an hour with the help of an instructor, who will teach you how to use the potter's wheel and how to shape your pottery into your desired form. Your finished piece will be sent to you by post after it has been dried and fired.

Traditional sake brewing company founded in 1870 (Meiji 3). ※Group tours available. ※Contact in advance required. ※Tours only available in winter (January~March).